Richard worked as a railroad engineer and then as a coal miner. He was actively involved in mine rescue in Empire and Shoshone.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, panning gold, playing guitar with his friends and son Andrew, and being a father and good husband.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents.

He is survived by his wife; a daughter, Amber Wolery of Greeley; two sons, Andrew Penman of Fort Carson and Matt Ferguson of North Platte, Neb.; a stepdaughter, Tonya Buckendorf of Craig; two sisters, Karen Pharis of Cripple Creek and Jannelle Kelley of Las Vegas, Nev.; a brother, Bruce Harper of Avon; and two grandchildren.

Memorial donations may be made for his stepdaughter, Tonya, in care of Grant Mortuary, 621 Yampa Ave., Craig, 81625.